Best of Italy

13-Day Italy Sightseeing Tour of Rome, Lake Como and Sorrento

Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine walking in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.

Travel: 13 days, 2 countries and 15 cities

Accommodations: 12 nights

Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

Itinerary: View Day-by-Day Trip Itinerary

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Sightseeing highlights

Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s Colosseum, Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
View the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà in Verona, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark’s Square in Venice

Travel highlights

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Rome

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the ‘Eternal City’. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00

Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

Accommodation: UNAHotels Deco Roma

Included Meals: Dinner

Included experiences: Rome Orientation, Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin Visit

Day 2 Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Day 2

Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

The Holy See takes center stage today as you join a Local Specialist to explore the Vatican Museums. Admire the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome for a guided visit to the Colosseum, once home to epic spectacles. View the Circus Maximus, where chariots once raced in front of thousands. This afternoon is yours to explore—relax at a sidewalk cafe, visit a local museum or enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Navona.

Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City.

Accommodation: UNAHotels Deco Roma

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: Study the Masterpieces of the Vatican Museums, Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Ancient Rome

Day 3 Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

Day 3

Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento

Journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here you join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as you wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, arrive at your hotel in the town of Sorrento where you’ll dine tonight.

Accommodation: Johanna Park Sorrento /Art Hotel Gran Paradiso
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included experiences: Visit Pompeii

Day 4 Cruise to the Isle of Capri

Day 4

Cruise to the Isle of Capri

We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.

Accommodation: Johanna Park Sorrento /Art Hotel Gran Paradiso
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: Tour Capri Town

Day 5 Onwards to Assisi

Day 5

Onwards to Assisi

Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak, known as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. Arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Assisi

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included experiences: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Day 6 Venture to Verona and Venice

Day 6

Venture to Verona and Venice

Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’, to spend time admiring this unique city.

Accommodation: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: Scenic Drive Through Emilia-Romagna

Day 7 St. Mark’s and More in Venice

Day 7

St. Mark’s and More in Venice

Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world’s greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the glassblowing artisans of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Square to view the impressive square and basilica. Consider an optional experience to see the colorful fishermen’s houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cozy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.

Accommodation: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: Learn about the History and Ancient Skills of Venetian Glassblowing

Day 8 Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore

Day 8

Stroll Around Milan and onto Lake Maggiore

Cross the green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy’s capital of design and fashion. See the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where you’ll enjoy a dinner with your fellow traveling companions.

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon Baveno

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included experiences: Milan Orientation

Day 9 On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore

Day 9

On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore

The blue waters of Lake Como beckon this morning. Enjoy free time to take in the lakeside setting, or join an Optional Experience in Como to hear the stories behind Villa Olmo and the grand estates that line the shore, with time for a walk along the waterfront. Later, spend time in your lakeside resort or join an Optional Experience to discover the palace and gardens of Isola Bella. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore to Connect with Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience. Join the Cinque family and hear the story of Villa Toscanini, once the hideaway of Arturo Toscanini, one of Italy’s most influential conductors.

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon Lago Maggiore Baveno

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included experiences: Explore Como, Dine with the Cinque Family at Villa Toscanini

Day 10 Admire Pisa and on to Florence

Day 10

Admire Pisa and on to Florence

Tuscany lures you across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where you’ll enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.

Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: See Pisa’s Landmarks

Day 11 Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

Day 11

Experience Art and Architecture in Florence

Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. Visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Accommodation: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included experiences: Florence City Tour, Florence Leather Demonstration

Day 12 Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

Day 12

Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome

This morning, stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the center of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th-century city walls. This evening in Rome, enjoy dinner in the company of newfound friends and your Travel Director.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Roma

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included experiences: Florence American Cemetery and Memorial Visit, Visit San Gimignano